Frankfort: Walk, fun run to support cancer center

For clients of The Cancer Support Center, an upcoming Walk of Hope and 5K Fun Run is more a celebration of life than grief over the deadly disease.

Leslie Susralski , a volunteer and walk committee member, said the Homewood center was a lifeline for her and her husband, Ed when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010.. She "was a mess" when she heard the diagnosis, she said, but the center taught her how to meditate to calm her mind and how the couple could eat more nutritional meals to feel better.

Susralski, who has participated in the annual walk for several years, said it's like a family reunion.

"When you walk in there and feel so desperate, everyone in there has compassion and understands what you're going through," said Susralski, who lives in Orland Park with her husband.

The event is May 19 at Commissioner's Park, 22108 S. 80th Ave. in Frankfort. The registration fee is $25 for those 15 and older, $15 for children 5 to 14, and free for kids under 5. Preregistration is at http://www.cancersupportcenter.org. More information is at the walk hotline, 708-265-1201.

Runner registration is at 7 a.m. and the 5K race begins at 8 a.m.. Walker registration is 8 to 9 a.m. and a survivor celebration is at 9 a.m.. Walkers start their trek at 9:30 a.m. Whoever raises the most money gets a free IPAD.

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Vantage Oncology sponsor the event, which also takes place in Homewood in October.

Michelle Paetow, manager of special events and ancillary boards for the center, said she was anticipating 900 attendees and hoped for a pledge goal of $100 per individual. The funds would allow the center to continue its health and wellness programs, nutrition, yoga, Reiki, massage, nutrition services and counseling.

"Remarkably, The Center receives no federal or state funding," said Paetow. "All programs are generously paid for by individuals, businesses, foundation and community organizations."

Though Ed Susralski's cancer is terminal, his wife said the center had helped to alleviate much of the couple's discomfort.

"He has a wonderful quality of life and that's what it's all about," Leslie Susralski said.